Test Prep and Music

I wrote a comment on a friend's blog post that ended with a reworking of Beyonce's song "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" in preparation for the upcoming state tests. I haven't done this is in a couple of years, but thought that it was time to fire up the creative engine again and rewrite a popular song with testing lingo as a way to motivate kids to do well on their standardized testing, that isn't drill and skill! Research shows that positivity goes a long way toward engagement, breeding attention and performance in the process. What better way to put the kids in a positive zone than by creating and performing a funny song to the tune of one of their favorite tunes?!?

I *DID* use technology to accomplish this goal. You can download instrumental versions of songs you'd like to try this out with from iTunes and then use a Lyric search engine, such as Leo's Lyrics or just Google the song you'd like with the word "lyrics" in the search box. I use the lyrics to rewrite the song so that I can generally keep the syllables and rhyme scheme intact, even though I'm creating a parody version.

From there, find a group of teachers willing to perform and show the students what you're made of! (Even better would be to record it and upload to the internet for everybody to enjoy! If you do this, leave a link in the comments section!)

Here are the lyrics I re-wrote, feel free to use at will! If I'm feeling creative later, I may add another one!

(To the tune of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” ) in honor of a mutual friend:

Students Cheer (Gonna Have To Test On It)

All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer

Now put your books up!

Up in the class, the time came fast,
We gotta do this little ole test
We worked real hard, now we’re on guard
And all we can give is our best.
I’m ready now, Won’t have a cow,
I’m ready to pay attention
I’m the best there is, gonna bust this quiz
Gotta get lots of rest

‘Cause if you learn it then
You’re gonna have to test on it
If you learn it then
You’re gonna have to test on it
If you’re ready then you’re gonna do your best on it
So if you learn it
Then you’re gonna have to test on it. (Oh, Oh, Oh.)

I got protein, that’s nice and lean
And all the pencils I need
I’m not acting up, I say “WASSUP”
When it’s time to put the test in front of me.
I’m on a learning mission, did I mention
I gotta pay attention.
Now it’s my turn,
To prove what I learn
I won’t let some test beat me!

‘Cause if you learn it then
You’re gonna have to test on it
If you learn it then
You’re gonna have to test on it
If you’re ready then you’re gonna do your best on it
So if you learn it
Then you’re gonna have to test on it. (Oh, Oh, Oh.)

‘Cause if you learn it then
You’re gonna have to test on it
If you learn it then
You’re gonna have to test on it
If you’re ready then you’re gonna do your best on it
So if you learn it
Then you’re gonna have to test on it. (Oh, Oh, Oh.)

Don’t tell me that you worry about me,
I’m gonna be just fine,
You just wait and see, you gotta believe
I’m a kid who knows just what to do, here in school,
I won’t disappoint you, I’ve got a clue
This is true.
I’m ready for this test
Because I am the best,
Give it here, I’m ready now,
And like a star, you’ll just say WOW!

All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer
All the students cheer

Now put your books up!

‘Cause if you learn it then
You’re gonna have to test on it
If you learn it then
You’re gonna have to test on it
If you’re ready then you’re gonna do your best on it
So if you learn it
Then you’re gonna have to test on it. (Oh, Oh, Oh.)